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Pollarding in Conservation Zones: How to Navigate TPOs, Local Permissions, and Compliance

Pollarding is a crucial tree management practice that involves carefully pruning back a tree’s upper branches to promote controlled growth. While it’s an effective way to maintain trees and ensure their health and safety, working on trees in conservation areas requires more than just pruning skills — it requires compliance with local regulations and an understanding of Tree Preservation Orders (TPOs).

In our recent project, we were tasked with pollarding a Honey Locust tree. Despite the tree not being subject to a TPO, its location in a conservation area meant we still needed permission from the local authority to carry out any work. This experience highlights an important lesson: just because a tree isn’t protected by a TPO doesn’t mean it’s free from regulations. In fact, trees in conservation areas larger than 7.5 cm in diameter at 1.5 meters above ground level require specific permissions.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the steps of applying for permission to work on trees in conservation zones, explain the role of local authorities, and share insights from our recent pollarding job. Understanding the process is essential to ensure you’re in full compliance with local regulations and protecting valuable green spaces.

Introduction to Pollarding and Conservation Areas

Pollarding is a method of pruning trees that encourages new growth and helps maintain their structure and health. This practice is especially useful for urban environments, where trees need to be managed to avoid interference with structures, roads, and power lines. However, when trees are located within conservation areas, extra care must be taken to ensure all legal guidelines are followed before any work is done.

Conservation areas are designed to protect the character and appearance of a specific area, and trees are an essential part of that. Even if a tree isn’t covered by a Tree Preservation Order (TPO), it may still require permission from local authorities if it resides within these protected zones. This is why understanding both TPOs and conservation regulations is crucial for anyone working in tree care and management.

Understanding Conservation Areas and Tree Protection

Trees play a vital role in conservation areas by contributing to the overall aesthetic and ecological value of the space. As such, regulations are in place to protect trees from unnecessary or harmful work. Even if a tree doesn’t have a TPO, if it’s within a conservation area and has a trunk diameter of more than 7.5 cm (measured 1.5 meters above the ground), you’ll need to obtain permission from the local council before carrying out any work.

This rule applies to work such as pruning, pollarding, or cutting down a tree. The reasoning behind this regulation is to ensure that any changes to the landscape are in line with the preservation of the area’s character. If unauthorized work is carried out, the local authority may issue fines or other penalties, emphasizing the importance of going through the proper channels.

The Application Process for Tree Work in Conservation Areas

Before any tree work begins in a conservation area, you need to notify the Local Planning Authority (LPA) by submitting the appropriate application form. At Chigwell Tree Services, we take care of this entire process on your behalf, at no extra cost. Once we’ve submitted the form, the council reviews it to ensure everything is completed correctly.

If all details are in order, the council processes the request. Within six weeks, they’ll inform us whether you can proceed with the work. During this period, if the tree isn’t currently under a TPO but the council believes it should be protected, they may issue a TPO. If no TPO is applied, you’ll receive permission to move forward with the tree work as planned.

Our Recent Project: Pollarding a Honey Locust Tree

Recently, we undertook a pollarding project involving a Honey Locust tree located in a conservation area. Although the tree wasn’t subject to a TPO, we still had to follow strict procedures due to its location. After conducting thorough checks, we confirmed that the tree’s diameter exceeded 7.5 cm, meaning we were required to submit a tree work application.

We used the Planning Portal to submit our application and waited for the local authority’s decision. As we regularly work with Epping Forest District Council, Havering Council, and the London Borough of Redbridge, we know the process well. We understand that patience is key  after submitting our application, we received permission within the typical six-week window, allowing us to proceed with the pollarding.

This project served as a reminder that even if a tree doesn’t have a TPO, regulations surrounding conservation areas still apply, and they are just as important for maintaining the beauty and ecological health of our communities.

Working with Local Councils to Ensure Compliance

At the heart of any tree work in conservation areas is strong collaboration with local councils. For the majority of our jobs, we work closely with the Epping Forest District Council, Havering Council, and the London Borough of Redbridge. Each council has specific guidelines to follow, and using the Planning Portal ensures that our applications are submitted correctly and efficiently.

By consistently following regulations, submitting the necessary applications, and maintaining open communication with these councils, we ensure that our tree work complies with legal requirements. This not only protects the trees and surrounding areas but also helps avoid penalties and ensures that our projects contribute to the long-term health and beauty of the environment.

Conclusion

Pollarding trees in conservation areas requires careful planning, compliance with regulations, and coordination with local authorities. As we’ve experienced in our Honey Locust project, even if a tree isn’t subject to a TPO, you may still need permission from the local council. That’s where Chigwell Tree Services comes in — we handle the entire application process for you, ensuring all forms are correctly completed and submitted, all at no additional cost.

If you’re planning any tree work in a conservation area, don’t take unnecessary risks. Let us help you navigate the regulations, avoid fines, and protect both your property and the environment. Get in touch with Chigwell Tree Services today for expert guidance and compliant tree care solutions that keep your trees healthy and your projects on track.

Contact us now to ensure your tree work is done safely, legally, and with the utmost care.